Absorbent article package with enhanced opening and recloseability

ABSTRACT

A package containing a stack of folded disposable absorbent articles, the package being formed of flexible polymeric film, and having a path of perforations or scoring defining a serpentine-shape, is disclosed. The serpentine-shaped path may be located proximate the fold noses of the articles in the stack for easy tactile identification, grasping and withdrawal of individual ones thereof, and may be configured so as to cause opening flaps defined by the path to effectively draw to a closed position following access to the contents within, whereby the package may be used to store the unused supply of articles following opening. The package, and printed commercial artwork and product information on the package surfaces, may be configured such that the fold noses are disposed at the apparent bottom of the package, for improved standing stability when the package is shelved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Non-fragile, compressible consumer products such as disposable absorbentarticles (e.g., diapers and training pants, disposable adultincontinence pants and feminine hygiene pads) are often packaged andsold at retail (i.e., placed on display and for sale in a retail store)in soft packages formed of polymer film. Such packages may be formedfrom one or more sheets of polymer film, seamed via application ofheating energy, which has caused portions of the film to melt and fusealong the seams.

After opening a package of disposable absorbent articles and removingone or more items needed for immediate use, a consumer may wish to leavethe remaining unused supply of product in the package for storage untilthe next time additional items are needed. Thus, it is often desirablethat the package retain, to some extent, its shape and structuralintegrity to remain useful as a container for storing unused productfollowing opening. Additionally, and particularly in environments wheresubstantial quantities of airborne dust and dirt particles may bepresent, it may be desired that the package not only retain its shapeand structural integrity, but have a recloseability capability thatallows the package to be reclosed to an extent suitable to help protectthe unused product from airborne contaminants.

To date, film package opening features have generally been less thanfully satisfactory. Various prior configurations of opening perforationshave not provided easy opening features, and in addition oralternatively, tend to promote substantial destruction of the packageduring opening, rendering it unsatisfactory for use as a storagecontainer. To date, known recloseability features, generally, have notproven to be cost effective for the manufacturer operating in highlycompetitive markets.

Consequently, there is room for improvement in film package openingfeatures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example of a disposable absorbent article inthe form of a disposable diaper, wearer-facing surfaces facing theviewer.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the diaper of FIG. 1, shown with side portionsfolded over and laterally inward about longitudinal side edge foldlines.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the diaper of FIG. 2, shown folded about alateral fold line, wearer-facing surfaces in and outward-facing surfacesout.

FIG. 3B is an edge side view of the folded diaper shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is an edge side view of a stack of a plurality of folded diaperssuch as the folded diaper shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the stack of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a film bag structure from which a filmpackage may be formed.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a film package that may be used tocontain a stack of disposable absorbent articles such as the stack shownin FIG. 4.

FIG. 5C is an alternative perspective view of the film package shown inFIG. 5B.

FIG. 5D is a side view of a film package depicted with a stack of foldedarticles within.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a film package that may be used tocontain a stack of diapers such as the stack shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,depicting a configuration of a path of perforations or scoring, in oneexample.

FIG. 7 is a view of a surface of a film package adjacent one of first orsecond sides of a stack of articles contained therein, depicting aconfiguration of a path of perforations or scoring, in one example.

FIG. 8 is a view of a surface of a film package adjacent one of fifth orsixth sides of a stack of articles contained therein, depicting aconfiguration of a path of perforations or scoring, in another example.

FIG. 9 is a view of a surface of a film package adjacent one of fifth orsixth sides of a stack of articles contained therein, depicting aconfiguration of a path of perforations or scoring, in another example.

FIG. 10 is a view of a path of perforations or scoring, having tearingstress dispersion features, in one example.

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a film package that may be used to contain astack of disposable absorbent articles such as the stack shown in FIG.4, having a handle, in one example.

FIG. 12 is a perspective of a film package that may be used to contain astack of disposable absorbent articles such as the stack shown in FIG.4, having a handle, in another example.

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14 are views of three examples of paths ofperforations or scoring, illustrating particular measurements ofdimensions.

FIGS. 15A-15D are schematic plan view depictions of examples ofconfigurations of perforations.

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view depiction of an example of aconfiguration of perforations, illustrating measurements for determiningcut-to-land ratio.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Definitions

“Film” means a sheet structure having a length, width and thickness(caliper), wherein each of the length and width greatly exceed thethickness, i.e., by a factor of 1,000 or more, the structure having onelayer (monolayer) or more respectively adjacent layers (multilayer),each layer being a substantially continuous structure formed of one ormore thermoplastic polymer resins (including blends thereof).

“High Density Polyethylene” (HDPE) means a type of polyethylene definedby a density equal to or greater than 0.941 g/cm³.

“Low Density Polyethylene” (LDPE) means a type of polyethylene definedby a density equal to or less than 0.925 g/cm³.

“Medium Density Polyethylene” (MDPE) means a type of polyethylenedefined by a density range of 0.926-0.940 g/cm³.

With respect to a disposable diaper, disposable absorbent pant, orfeminine hygiene pad, “lateral” and forms thereof refer to a directionparallel with the waist edges and/or perpendicular to the direction ofwearer's standing height when the article is worn.

“Linear Low Density Polyethylene” (LLDPE) means a type of Low DensityPolyethylene characterized by substantially linear polyethylene, withsignificant numbers of short branches, commonly made by copolymerizationof ethylene with longer-chain olefins. Linear low-density polyethylenediffers structurally from conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE)because of the absence of long chain branching. The linearity of LLDPEresults from the different manufacturing processes of LLDPE and LDPE. Ingeneral, LLDPE is produced at lower temperatures and pressures bycopolymerization of ethylene and such higher alpha-olefins as butene,hexene, or octene. The copolymerization process produces a LLDPE polymerthat has a narrower molecular weight distribution than conventional LDPEand in combination with the linear structure, significantly differentrheological properties.

With respect to a disposable diaper, disposable absorbent pant, orfeminine hygiene pad, “longitudinal” and forms thereof refer to adirection perpendicular with the waist edges and/or parallel to thedirection of the wearer's standing height when the article is worn.

With respect to quantifying the weight fraction or weight percentage ofa component of a polymer resin composition forming a film or layerthereof, “predominately” (or a form thereof) means that the componentconstitutes the largest weight fraction or weight percentage among allcomponents of the composition.

Package; Packaging Film

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5C, a retail package 49 of non-fragile,compressible disposable absorbent articles 10 (such as, for example,disposable diapers, training pants or adult incontinence pants) may beformed of a polymer film. The film may be a single layer (monolayer), ormay have two, three or more layers (multilayer). A multilayer film mayhave, for example, an outer skin layer formed of a first polymer and aninner skin layer formed of a second polymer. (As used herein, the terms“outer” and “inner” refer to the positioning of the layer relative theinside and the outside of the finished package; thus, the “inner layer”faces the contained product, and the “outer layer” faces outward and hasan outer surface that is exposed to view and touch by, e.g., shoppers ina retail store.)

FIGS. 1-3 depict an example of a disposable diaper with front and rearwaist edges 11, 12, in successively open/unfolded and folded. FIGS. 4Aand 4B depict a stack of a plurality of disposable diapers such thatdepicted in FIGS. 1-3. For packaging in bulk, each of a plurality ofdisposable diapers such as that shown in FIG. 1 may, in a possible firststep, have its longitudinal side portions be folded over and laterallyinward about longitudinal side edge fold lines 20, as may be appreciatedfrom a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2. Next, the diaper may, in a secondstep, be folded longitudinally, about lateral fold line 22 that passesthrough the crotch region of the diaper, as may be appreciated from acomparison of FIGS. 2 and 3. For a bi-fold configuration such asdepicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4, the article may be folded longitudinallyonce, and may in some examples be folded approximately in half about thelateral fold line. For a tri-fold configuration (not shown), the articlemay be folded longitudinally twice, about two longitudinally-spacedlateral fold lines. In some examples a tri-fold configuration may havethe article folded approximately in thirds, about the twolongitudinally-spaced lateral fold lines.

Regardless of whether the article is in a bi-fold or tri-foldconfiguration, the folded article such as folded diaper 10 will have asingle fold nose 30 defining at least one end edge of the foldedarticle, fold nose corners 32, and left and right side edges 34, 35. (Itwill be appreciated that in a tri-fold example, a single fold nose maydefine each of both end edges of the folded article.) In some examplessuch as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, fold nose 30 may be proximate thecrotch region of the article (the middle region of the article adaptedto be located between the wearer's legs during wear). The folded articlewill have a folded width FW measured as the distance between side edges,and a folded height FH measured as the distance between end edges. Aplurality of folded articles such as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B maythen be placed in similar orientation and neatly stacked togetherface-to-face to form a stack 40 such as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Inanother example (not shown), a first set of the plurality of foldedarticles may have their fold noses oriented along one side of the stack,and a second set of the plurality of folded articles may be rotated 180degrees to have their fold noses oriented along the opposite side of thestack. In some examples, the articles in the first set and the articlesin the second set may appear in alternating sequence in the stack. Forpurposes of economy of space in packaging, packing, shipping andshelving, stack 40 may be compressed to a desired degree of compression,along the stack direction SD.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, stack 40 will have an approximaterectangular cuboid form with a stack height SH approximatelycorresponding to the folded height FH of the individual folded articles,a stack width SW approximately corresponding to the folded width FW ofthe individual folded articles, and a stack length SL measured from afirst outward-facing side 36 of a first article in the stack to anopposing second outward-facing side 37 of a last article in the stack,along stacking direction SD. Stack 40 may have a first side 41 and anopposing second side 42, one or both of which are defined byapproximately aligned fold noses of folded articles in the stack. Stack40 may have opposing third and fourth sides 43, 44, both of which aredefined by approximately aligned side edges 34, 35 of folded articles inthe stack. Stack 40 may have opposing fifth and sixth sides 45, 46, eachof which is defined by one of first and second outward facing sides 36,37 of first and last articles at each end of the stack.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a bag structure 47 may be formed from a singlesheet of film stock that is suitably folded to form bag gussets 52 b, 53b and then joined along portions by bonding to form two side seams 52 a,53 a on opposite sides, to form bag structure 47 with no seam on a firstpackage surface 50, and open at the other end 48 (e.g., a gusseted bagstructure). Thereafter, the bag structure may be filled by insertingproduct such as stack 40 of diapers through the open end 48. In a firstexample, stack 40 of diapers may be inserted first side 41 first, suchthat after insertion the fold noses inside the package are adjacentfirst package surface 50. In another example, stack 40 of diapers may beinserted first side 41 last (i.e., second side 42 first), such thatafter insertion the fold noses inside the package are adjacent secondpackage surface 51. As may be appreciated from FIGS. 5B and 5C, the openend 48 opposite first package surface 50 may then be closed by suitablyfolding to form closing gussets 51 a, bringing the film edges together,and bonding them together to form end seam 51 b and second packagesurface 51. The bag structure 47 and stack 40 dimensions may be suitablyselected and effected through design, folding, stacking, compression andpackaging processes such the film of the package is taut about the stackat least along the stacking direction SD, to retain the individualdiapers 10 in place within the stack 40, maintain stack compression, andmaintain a neat, stable, approximate rectangular cuboid shape for thestack 40, and as a result, the package 49. Because the package 49 isformed of flexible polymer film, when suitably sized relative the stack40 dimensions, package 49 will approximately assume the approximaterectangular cuboid shape and dimensions of the stack 40, when thepackage film is taut, or otherwise when any loose film is pressedagainst the stack. When the package film is taut about the stack alongdirections generally parallel with the stacking direction, in a mannerthat helps maintain stack compression along the stacking direction, thepackage will have a package length PL approximately corresponding to thestack length SL, and a package width approximately corresponding to thestack width SW. If the package structure is sized to provide no headspace adjacent one or both of first and second sides 41, 42 of packagedstack 40 (i.e., no slack is present in the package film adjacent firstand second sides 41, 42 of the stack after the package 49 is formed),the package will have a package height PH approximately corresponding tothe stack height SH. In some examples, however, the film packagestructure may be sized to provide head space, and correspondingly, slackfilm, adjacent one or both of the first 41 and second 42 sides of stack40, such as may be desired to provide material for easy grasping about apath of perforations or scoring, for easier tearing.

In the configuration to which reference is made above, the left andright side edges 34, 35 of the folded diapers in the stack 40, andcorresponding third and fourth sides 43, 44 of stack 40 will be adjacentfifth and/or sixth package surfaces 54 and 55. It may be desired thatthe stack size and bag configuration and dimensions be selected suchthat fifth and sixth package surfaces 54 and 55 are the largestsurfaces, or front and rear “faces,” of the package. In thisarrangement, when the film of the package is taut about the stack, thefilm of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth package surfaces 52, 53, 54and 55 is in tension along directions approximately parallel to theapproximate plane of the first surface 50, serving to at least partiallymaintain any compression of the stack 40 along the stacking directionSD.

In some examples, the film stock may be supplied pre-printed withdesired commercial artwork, graphics, trademark(s) and/or verbal orgraphic product information, prior to formation of the bag structure.

The bonds forming any or all of the seams such as seams 52 a, 53 a and51 b may be created by welding. (Herein, “weld” refers to a unionbetween separate portions of film stock, effected by application ofdirect or indirect (e.g., ultrasonic) heating energy and pressure thatcauses separate portions of the film to at least partially melt and fusetogether to some extent, forming a bonded area, joint or seam whichcannot be separated without substantial destruction to the remainder ofone or both joined portions.) If bag-forming and/or packaging machineryforms welds in the film that join the film stock to itself by applyingheating energy that causes the film to fuse to itself, it may bedesirable that the film stock be multilayer film, and that the layer(s)to be brought into contact and fused be formed of polymer(s) that havelower melting temperature(s) than those of the polymer(s) used to formthe other layer(s). This enables heating energy to be applied to adegree sufficient to heat the layer(s) in contact and cause them tofuse, but not sufficient to cause undesired melting and deformation ofthe other layer(s), which could cause the package to be misshapen and/ordisplace and/or distort printing on the film stock.

A multilayer film may be co-formed (such as by coextrusion), or inanother example, individual layers may be separately formed and thenlaminated together following their formation, by use of a suitablelaminating adhesive. In this latter example, an advantage provided isthat one of the layers may be printed on one side before lamination.Following that, the printed side may be faced inward (facing the otherlayer(s)) during lamination, such that it is protected by the otherlayer(s) from abrasion and wear in the finished film product, therebypreserving the integrity of the printed images, graphics, verbalcontent, etc. A suitable multilayer film may be formed of one or morepolyolefins, such as polypropylene and polyethylene. In one example, thestock film may have at least two layers, including a first layer ofpredominately polyethylene and second layer of predominatelypolypropylene. In one example, a layer formed of predominatelypolypropylene having a first relatively higher melting temperature, anda layer of predominately polyethylene having a second relatively lowermelting temperature, may be used to form the outer and inner layers,respectively. In another example, an inner layer may be formedpredominately of a first type of polyethylene having a relatively lowermelting temperature, and an outer layer may be formed predominately of asecond type of polyethylene having a relatively higher meltingtemperature.

In an application such as described herein, a multilayer film may bepreferred. A multilayer film may have layers of polymer compositionsparticularly chosen for the characteristics they impart to the film. Forexample, one or two outer skin layers may be formed of compositionschosen for, e.g., surface gloss; printability; smooth feel; pliability;low noise generation (upon being handled and manipulated, as by aconsumer); relatively lower melt temperature and fusibility/weldability;or any combination of these characteristics. One or more intermediatelayers may be formed of compositions chosen for, e.g., tensile strength;stiffness; toughness; suitability for inclusion of blended-in recycledmaterial; environmentally-friendly and/or sustainable materialsourceability; relatively higher melt temperature; co-extrusioncompatibility with adjacent layers (such that strong bonding betweenlayers occurs upon co-extrusion); or any combination of thesecharacteristics. For film stock in which only one side of the film willbe placed in contact with itself and welded, a two-layer film maysuffice. For film stock in which both sides of the film will be placedin contact with itself and welded, a film having at least three layers,with two outside skin layers that are weldable, may desired. It will beappreciated that a package having the configuration depicted in FIGS. 5Band 5C requires the film to be welded to itself on both sides—on thegenerally outer film surface at the gussets 51 a, 52 b and 53 b, and onthe generally inner film surface along all other portions of the seams51 b, 52 a and 53 a.

Film Composition

A multilayer film may include first outside skin layer, second outsideskin layer, and intermediate layer disposed between the skin layers.

Each of the layers may include a base polymer. Base polymers may includepolyolefins, particularly polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polybutadienes,polypropylene-ethylene interpolymer and copolymers having at least oneolefinic constituent, and any mixtures thereof. Certain polyolefins caninclude linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (HDPE), high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), isotactic polypropylene, random polypropylenecopolymers, impact modified polypropylene copolymer, and otherpolyolefins which are described in PCT Application Nos. WO 99/20664, WO2006/047374, and WO 2008/086539. Other base polymers such as polyesters,nylons, polyhydroxyalkanoates (or PHAs), copolymers thereof, andcombinations of any of the foregoing may also be suitable. In addition,polyolefin plastomers and elastomers could be used to form themulti-layer polymeric films. Examples of such suitable polyolefinplastomers and elastomers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,308; U.S.Publication No. 2010/0159167 A1; and PCT Application Nos. WO 2006/047374and WO 2006/017518. In one embodiment, such polyolefin plastomers and/orelastomers may comprise up to 25% by volume of the multi-layer polymericfilm. Other useful polymers include poly-α-olefins such as thosedescribed in PCT Application No. WO 99/20664 and the referencesdescribed therein.

In some examples, one or both of the skin layers may be formed ofpredominately MDPE, LDPE or LLDPE, more preferably LLDPE. A skin layerformed of predominately LLDPE may be particularly preferred because itimparts the skin layer with a good combination of weldability,relatively low melt temperature, printability (compatibility withcurrently commercially available printing inks), smooth surface finish,low noise, and a soft and pliable feel. In some examples, anintermediate layer may be formed of predominately HPDE, MDPE or LDPE,more preferably MDPE.

An intermediate layer formed of predominately MDPE may be particularlypreferred with one or more skin layers formed predominately of LLDPEbecause it imparts the intermediate layer with a good combination ofrelatively higher melt temperature, co-extrusion compatibility with theskin layer(s), pliability, toughness and tensile strength.

In alternative examples, an intermediate layer may be formed partiallyor predominately of a thermoplastic polymer other than polyethylene,such as any of the polymers identified above, or any polymers identifiedas suitable for intermediate layers in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.9,169,366 and 5,261,899; and U.S. Pat. Apps. Pub. Nos. 2015/03433748;2015/0104627; and 2012/0237746, including bio-polymers or polymershaving bio-based content as described in the latter three publications,such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid and thermoplastic starch.Additionally, an intermediate layer may include recycled thermoplasticpolymer of any of the above-described types.

For purposes of balancing economy of polymer usage and maximization oftensile strength of the film, it may be desired that the total caliperof the film fall within a range of from 40 μm to 100 μm, more preferablyfrom 50 μm to 90 μm, and even more preferably from 60 μm to 80 μm. Forpurposes of balancing economy of polymer usage, tensile strength andweldability, it may be desired that a three-layer film as describedherein have a first and second skin layers each constituting from 15percent to 35 percent of the weight of the film, and an intermediatelayer constituting from 30 percent to 70 percent of the weight of thefilm.

Tie Layers

A multi-layer film as contemplated herein may comprise one or more tielayers disposed between other layers. A tie layer may be necessary whenthe polymers of adjoining layers would not otherwise be miscible orcompatible so as to bond to each other during extrusion. For example, atie layer between a polyethylene skin layer and an intermediate layerhaving a large polylactic acid content may be deemed desirable. Thus,for example, in a multilayer film having three main layers—two skinlayers and an intermediate layer disposed between them, tie layers maybe disposed between the intermediate layer and each of the skin layers.A tie layer may include one or more functionalized polyolefins. In someexample, a tie layer may include from 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 45% to55%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%, by weight of the tie layer, of the oneor more functionalized polyolefins. A tie layer may consist essentiallyof the one or more functionalized polyolefins.

For example, because of the significant difference in polarity betweenpolylactic acid (PLA) and polyolefins, blends of these componentstypically result in incompatible systems with poor physical properties.A multilayer film having predominately polyethylene skin layerssandwiching an intermediate layer including PLA may also include one ormore tie layers between the skin layers and the intermediate layer. Thisparticular multi-layer structure may provide the MD and/or CD tensileproperties useful for products currently made from polyethylene whileincorporating a renewable feedstock (PLA). This arrangement may alsoenable downgauging (i.e., caliper reduction or basis weight reduction)of the film resulting from improvements in stiffness that can be used todrive sustainability and/or used as a cost savings.

The tie layer may comprise a functionalized polyolefin that possesses apolar component provided by one or more functional groups that iscompatible with the PLA of the intermediate layer(s) and a non-polarcomponent provided by an olefin that is compatible with one or morepolyolefins of the adjacent skin layer. The polar component may, forexample, be provided by one or more functional groups and the non-polarcomponent may be provided by an olefin. The olefin component maygenerally be formed from any linear or branched α-olefin monomer,oligomer, or polymer (including copolymers) derived from an olefinmonomer. The α-olefin monomer typically has from 2 to 14 carbon atomsand preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable monomersinclude, but not limited to, ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene,hexene, 2-methyl-1-propene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, and5-methyl-1-hexene. Examples of polyolefins include both homopolymers andcopolymers, i.e., polyethylene, ethylene copolymers such as EPDM,polypropylene, propylene copolymers, and polymethylpentene polymers.

An olefin copolymer can include a minor amount of non-olefinic monomers,such as styrene, vinyl acetate, diene, or acrylic and non-acrylicmonomer. Functional groups may be incorporated into the polymer backboneusing a variety of known techniques. For example, a monomer containingthe functional group may be grafted onto a polyolefin backbone to form agraft copolymer. Such grafting techniques are well known in the art anddescribed, for instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,164. In otherembodiments, the monomer containing the functional groups may becopolymerized with an olefin monomer to form a block or randomcopolymer. Regardless of the manner in which it is incorporated, thefunctional group of the compatibilizer may be any group that provides apolar segment to the molecule, such as a carboxyl group, acid anhydridegroup, acid amide group, imide group, carboxylate group, epoxy group,amino group, isocyanate group, group having oxazoline ring, hydroxylgroup, and so forth. Maleic anhydride modified polyolefins areparticularly suitable for use in the present invention. Such modifiedpolyolefins are typically formed by grafting maleic anhydride onto apolymeric backbone material. Such maleated polyolefins are availablefrom E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company under the designationFusabond, such as the P Series (chemically modified polypropylene), ESeries (chemically modified polyethylene), C Series (chemically modifiedethylene vinyl acetate), A Series (chemically modified ethylene acrylatecopolymers or terpolymers), or N Series (chemically modifiedethylene-propylene, ethylene-propylene diene monomer (“EPDM”) orethylene-octene). Alternatively, maleated polyolefins are also availablefrom Chemtura Corp. under the designation POLYBOND and Eastman ChemicalCompany under the designation Eastman G SERIES, and AMPLIFYTM GRFunctional Polymers (maleic anhydride grafted polyolefins). Otherexamples include LOTADER AX8900 (polyethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidylmethacrylate terpolymer) and LOTADER TX 8030 (polyethylene-acrylicester-maleic anhydride terpolymer) available from Arkema, Columbes,France.

In some aspects, the tie layer can be a resin composition as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,114,522. This resin composition includes a modifiedPO resin and a terpene resin. Alternatively, it includes a polylacticacid resin, a modified polyolefin resin, and a hydrogenated petroleumresin. These compositions are suitable for use as a tie layer betweenthe outer layer and the core layer.

In some examples, an outer layer and tie layer may be essentiallycombined as an outer layer by incorporating a functionalized polyolefininto one or both of the outer layers. In these instances, themulti-layer film may comprise 3 or 4 layers. In the case of a 3 layerfilm, the film may comprise a first outer layer comprising a polyolefinand/or a functionalized polyolefin, one or more core layers, and asecond outer layer comprising a polyolefin and/or a functionalizedpolyolefin). In the case of a 4 layer film, the film may comprise afirst outer layer comprising a polyolefin and/or a functionalizedpolyolefin, one or more core layers, a tie layer, and a second outerlayer comprising a polyolefin.

Additives

Any of the layers of the multi-layer film may comprise small amounts ofone or more additives. Typically, the additives may comprise less thanabout 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1% or 0.01% by weight of thelayer of the additive. Some non-limiting examples of classes ofadditives contemplated include perfumes, dyes, pigments, nanoparticles,antistatic agents, fillers, and combinations thereof. The layersdisclosed herein can contain a single additive or a mixture ofadditives. For example, both a perfume and a colorant (e.g., pigmentand/or dye) can be present.

A pigment or dye can be inorganic, organic, or a combination thereof.Specific examples of pigments and dyes contemplated include pigmentYellow (C.I. 14), pigment Red (C.I. 48:3), pigment Blue (C.I. 15:4),pigment Black (C.I. 7), and combinations thereof. Specific contemplateddyes include water soluble ink colorants like direct dyes, acid dyes,base dyes, and various solvent soluble dyes. Examples include, but arenot limited to, FD&C Blue 1 (C.I. 42090:2), D&C Red 6 (C.I. 15850), D&CRed 7 (C.I. 15850:1), D&C Red 9 (C.I. 15585:1), D&C Red 21 (C.I.45380:2), D&C Red 22 (C.I. 45380:3), D&C Red 27 (C.I. 45410:1), D&C Red28 (C.I. 45410:2), D&C Red 30 (C.I. 73360), D&C Red 33 (C.I. 17200), D&CRed 34 (C.I. 15880:1), and FD&C Yellow 5 (C.I. 19140:1), FD&C Yellow 6(C.I. 15985:1), FD&C Yellow 10 (C.I. 47005:1), D&C Orange 5 (C.I.45370:2), and combinations thereof.

Contemplated fillers include, but are not limited to, inorganic fillerssuch as, for example, the oxides of magnesium, aluminum, silicon, andtitanium. These materials can be added as inexpensive fillers orprocessing aides. Other inorganic materials that can function as fillersinclude hydrous magnesium silicate, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate,clay, chalk, boron nitride, limestone, diatomaceous earth, mica glassquartz, and ceramics. Additionally, inorganic salts, including alkalimetal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, phosphate salts, can be used.Additionally, alkyd resins can also be added to the composition. Alkydresins can comprise a polyol, a polyacid or anhydride, and/or a fattyacid.

Additional contemplated additives include nucleating and clarifyingagents for the thermoplastic polymer. Specific examples, suitable forpolypropylene, for example, are benzoic acid and derivatives (e.g.,sodium benzoate and lithium benzoate), as well as kaolin, talc and zincglycerolate. Dibenzlidene sorbitol (DBS) is an example of a clarifyingagent that can be used. Other nucleating agents that can be used areorganocarboxylic acid salts, sodium phosphate and metal salts (e.g.,aluminum dibenzoate). In one aspect, the nucleating or clarifying agentscan be added in the range from 20 parts per million (20 ppm) to 20,000ppm, or from 200 ppm to 2000 ppm, or from 1000 ppm to 1500 ppm. Theaddition of the nucleating agent can be used to improve the tensile andimpact properties of the finished composition.

Additional contemplated additives include slip agents for purposes ofreducing the coefficient of friction on one or both of the two outsidesurfaces of the film, or as anti-blocking agents. Suitable additives forthis purpose may include but are not limited to fatty amides, forexample, erucamide.

Additives may also include antioxidants such as BHT, and IRGANOXproducts, for example, IRGANOX 1076 and IRGANOX 1010. IRGANOX productsare available from BASF Corporation, Florham Park, N.J., USA.Antioxidants may help reduce degradation of the film through oxidation,particularly during processing.

Contemplated surfactants include anionic surfactants, amphotericsurfactants, or a combination of anionic and amphoteric surfactants, andcombinations thereof, such as surfactants disclosed, for example, inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,678 and 4,259,217, and in EP 414 549, WO93/08876,and WO93/08874.

Contemplated nanoparticles include metals, metal oxides, allotropes ofcarbon, clays, organically modified clays, sulfates, nitrides,hydroxides, oxy/hydroxides, particulate water-insoluble polymers,silicates, phosphates and carbonates. Examples include silicon dioxide,carbon black, graphite, grapheme, fullerenes, expanded graphite, carbonnanotubes, talc, calcium carbonate, bentonite, montmorillonite, kaolin,zinc glycerolate, silica, aluminosilicates, boron nitride, aluminumnitride, barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, antimony oxide, feldspar,mica, nickel, copper, iron, cobalt, steel, gold, silver, platinum,aluminum, wollastonite, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, titaniumdioxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, tin oxide, ironoxides (Fe203, Fe304) and mixtures thereof. Nanoparticles can increasestrength, thermal stability, and/or abrasion resistance of thecompositions disclosed herein, and can give the compositions electricproperties.

Contemplated anti-static agents include fabric softeners that are knownto provide antistatic benefits. These can include those fabric softenershaving a fatty acyl group that has an iodine value of greater than 20,such as N,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium methylsulfate.

In particular aspects, the filler can comprise renewable fillers. Thesecan include, but are not limited to, lipids (e.g., hydrogenated soybeanoil, hydrogenated castor oil), cellulosics (e.g., cotton, wood, hemp,paperboard), lignin, bamboo, straw, grass, kenaf, cellulosic fiber,chitin, chitosan, flax, keratin, algae fillers, natural rubber,nanocrystalline starch, nanocrystalline cellulose, collagen, whey,gluten, and combinations thereof.

Particular combinations of film layers, film layer compositions andpigment additives for maximizing package film opacity while providing afilm that effectively balances weldability, tensile strength and costeffectiveness are described in PCT Application No. CN2016/088098, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Opening Features

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a film package containing a stack ofdisposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, training pantsor adult incontinence pants, may be imparted with features thatfacilitate opening without unwanted deformation or destruction of thepackage, so that the opened packaged may be used, following opening, asa container to store the supply of unused product.

In the examples depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the package may be providedwith a path 60 of perforations or scoring in the film. The path 60 maybe continuous. (For purposes herein, a “continuous” path of perforationsor scoring is a singular path of individual, successive,mechanically-created partial or complete perforations, a singular pathof individual, successive laser-scored partial or complete perforations,or a continuous, singular path of laser scoring, that is uninterruptedby an unperforated/unscored portion of the film of a length betweensuccessive perforations or scoring greater than 8 mm.)

Individual perforations defining a path 60 may have any configurationsuitable for propagating a tear in the package film along the path.Non-limiting examples are depicted in FIGS. 15A-15D. Where the path 60of perforations comprises a plurality of individual mechanically-createdperforations or individual laser-scored perforations, it may be desiredthat the path have a cut-to-land ratio of at least 0.67:1 and no greaterthan 3:1. For film packages of the type contemplated herein, it isbelieved that a cut-to-land ratio within this range strikes a suitablebalance between providing for ease of package opening and minimizedstrain deformation of the film along the path during opening, andavoiding premature, unintended package bursting or opening, andretaining structural integrity of the package during shipping, handlingand other events prior to retail purchase and intentional opening by theconsumer. (For purposes herein, the “cut-to-land ratio” of a path ofperforations is the ratio of the aggregate of the lengths of theperforations extending along the path direction, to the aggregate of theminimum distances of unperforated/unscored portions of the film betweensuccessive perforations. Referring to FIG. 16, for example, in which aportion of a path of successive diagonally-tilted rectangularperforations is depicted lying along path direction PD, the cut-to-landratio is (L1+L2+L3):(D1+D2+D3).

In another example, a path of scoring may comprise a single,uninterrupted line of laser scoring that does not entirely penetrate thefilm but is configured to promote neat tear propagation along the path,such as described in U.S. Application Pub. No. 2015/0266663, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

For both ease of opening and simplification of manufacturing, it may bepreferred that the path 60 of perforations or scoring defining thepackage opening does not traverse a gusset (such as gussets 52 b and 53b), because a gusset structure includes more than one layer of packagefilm (e.g., three layers), making propagation of a neat tear along thepath more difficult.

As may be appreciated from FIGS. 6 and 7, a path 60 of perforations orscoring may be configured to define a serpentine-shape, defined entirelyon, or confined to, one of the six surfaces of the package, having afirst curve 61, a second curve 62 and an inflection point 63therebetween. This will facilitate a corresponding serpentine-shapedtear in the package film and a serpentine-shaped access opening into thepackage along that surface. It has been discovered that a tear andopening having such a configuration provide several benefits. Aserpentine-shaped path 60 may define a single set of two curved sectionsthat are oppositely-oriented and joined at an inflection point 63, assuggested in FIGS. 6-10 and 13A. In other examples, however, aserpentine-shaped path 60 may include more than two curved sections, ormore than one set of oppositely-oriented curved sections, each beingjoined to the next, with a plurality of inflection points 63, assuggested in FIG. 13B.

When serpentine-shaped path 60 is a simple, relatively narrow andsingular path along one package surface, the resulting tear along thepath may allow the package to retain a substantial portion of itsstructural integrity, and thereby retain its suitability for storing theunused supply of articles within, following package opening.

Differing from a straight-line tear path, however, the serpentine-shapedtear path, combined with the flexibility and pliability of the film,provides an opening with flap structures 66 (as identified in FIGS. 6-8)defined by the curves in the path, that provide substantial width ofaccess to the stack within, along a direction transverse to the tearopening length GL. This makes withdrawal of articles from a stackeasier, particularly immediately following opening, when the stack ismost compressed.

Differing from a single-curve opening tear, when the serpentine-shape isimparted with one or more features as described herein, the flapstructures 66 resulting from a serpentine-shaped tear configuration tendto be pulled to a closed position, i.e., tend to return to theirpre-opening positions and lay flat against the adjacent side of thestack 40 within, as a result of the geometry of the serpentine-shape andtension in the package film. Thus, the flaps help block entry ofairborne dust or other contaminants into the package following opening,helping to protect the unused supply of articles from contamination.

To promote the above-described behavior of the opening and flapstructures 66, one or more of several additional features may beprovided in conjunction with a generally serpentine-shaped path 60 ofperforations or scoring.

The greatest length GL of the serpentine-shape of the path 60 may beoriented along any direction, e.g., along the stacking direction (FIG.8), transverse to the stacking direction (FIG. 9), or along any otherdirection. Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, 13A, 13B and 14, however, it may bedesired that the greatest length GL of the path 60 be approximatelyparallel to the stack direction SD of the stack within the package, oris at least substantially aligned therewith. Herein, “substantiallyaligned” means that a line along which the greatest length GL may bemeasured forms an angle with the stack direction, in the plane of thepackage surface on which the path is present, of less than 45 degrees,more preferably less than 30 degrees, and even more preferably less than15 degrees, and most preferably approximately zero. (The greatest lengthGL of a serpentine-shaped path 60 is the length (longer dimension) ofthe rectangle that can be identified, that entirely but most closelycircumscribes the path 60. Correspondingly, the width W of the path 60is the width of such circumscribing rectangle. See, e.g., FIGS. 13A, 13Band 14.) When the greatest length GL of the path 60 is aligned with thestack direction SD as described, tension in the package film resultingfrom stack compression tends to pull flap structures 66 to a closedposition, following package opening. Further, when the greatest lengthGL of the serpentine-shaped path 60 is substantially aligned with thestack direction SD, compressive forces within the package and resultingtension in the film along the stack direction SD are less transverse tothe path 60, and thereby less likely to cause premature rupturing ortearing of the package at the path 60, e.g., during shipping andhandling prior to purchase by the consumer. Further, referring to FIG.7, in order to provide the consumer with maximized access to the stack40, while substantially preserving the structure of the package forstorage of the unused supply of article therein, it may be desired thatthe greatest length GL of the path 60 of perforations be from 50 to 90percent of the package length PL, along the stacking direction.

It may be desired that the aspect ratio of greatest length GL to width W(GL/W) of the path 60 be at least 3.5, more preferably at least 5, evenmore preferably at least 7, and still more preferably at least 10. Alimited aspect ratio, combined with film tension as described above,strikes a good balance between providing a suitable opening accesswidth, while limiting the width of the flap structures 66 relating thegreatest length GL, helping to ensure that they tend to close followingpackage opening. Further toward this purposes, it may be desired thatthe path 60 have substantial rotational symmetry of order 2, aboutinflection point(s) 63. As reflected in FIG. 14, the serpentine-shapedefined by the path 60 may have one or two slight return portionsadjacent path endpoints 64, 65, such that, for example, the distancebetween endpoints 64, 65 is less than greatest length GL. It may bepreferred, however, that the distance between endpoints 65, 65 besubstantially the same as greatest length GL, which reflects the absenceof any return portions. This feature helps further ensure that the flapstructures 66 will tend to return to a closed position followingopening, rather than being overly floppy and prone to laying in an openposition.

Serpentine-shaped path 60 of perforations or scoring may be located onany of the six package surfaces. It may be desired, however, that it belocated on one of the four faces of the package adjacent first side 41,second side 42, third side 43 or fourth side 44 of stack 40. Thisprovides the consumer with immediate visual and/or tactile access to oneof the sides of the stack defined by either side edges or end edges of aplurality of the articles in the stack, for easier insertion of fingersbetween adjacent articles, grasping of a single article or group ofarticles, and withdrawal from the stack through the opening. Furthertoward this purpose it may be desired that the path 60 be located on thepackage surface adjacent first side 41 of the stack 40, to provideimmediate visual and/or tactile access to the fold noses 30, providingfor easiest tactile identification and grasping of individual ones ofarticles in the stack, for withdrawal through the opening.

In some examples it may be preferred that the package include some headspace therewithin. This is illustrated in FIG. 5D, depicting head space75 within the package above side 41 of stack 40. This results in someslack film material package structure on at least one side of the stackprior to package opening. This extra material provided, for example,along the direction of the package height, may give the consumer extramaterial to conveniently grasp when, for example, tearing along an pathof perforations or scoring in the package film adjacent the head space,to create an access opening in the package.

Referring to FIG. 10, in order to reduce chances that a consumer openingthe package will tear the package film past endpoints 64, 65 of the path60 of perforations or scoring, and deform the package film and/or reducethe utility of the flap structures 66, it may be desired to include atactilely perceivable tearing stress dispersion feature 69 proximate oneor both endpoints 64, 65. In the example depicted in FIG. 10, tearingstress dispersion feature 69 is a semi-circular perforation or cutrunning transverse to the direction of the path 60, which serves todisperse tearing stresses concentrated at the endpoint, and therebyobstruct tear propagation in a way that may be perceived tactilely bythe consumer they are opening the package. It will be appreciated thattearing stress dispersion feature 69 may have other forms includingother shapes of cuts or perforations through the film that extendtransversely to the direction of the path 60, added reinforcing strips,tapes, etc.

Through experimentation and observation of consumer behavior it isbelieved that consumers prefer to have most immediate access to a sideof the stack 40 at which the single fold noses 30 of the diapers arepresent, i.e., first side 41. This may be because consumers find iteasiest to quickly identify, grasp and withdraw a single product itemfrom the stack by the tactile feel of the single fold noses. Conversely,the plurality of side and waist edges of a single folded diaper in astack are typically less distinguishable by touch, from those ofneighboring diapers in the stack. This preference may indicate a furtherpreference that all fold noses of the stack be present at only one sidethe stack, i.e., only one of sides 41, 42. For easiest consumer accessto the fold noses, it may be desired that the path 60 of perforations orscoring defining the serpentine-shaped opening, be disposed generallycloser to one of the package surfaces, e.g., one of surfaces 50, 51,that is adjacent the single fold noses of the diapers in the stack 40,thereby locating flap structures 66 proximate first side 41 of stack40—and preferably the surface most proximate the fold noses.

When it is defined by fold noses 30, the first side 41 of a stack 40 isoften more flat and firm, than the opposing second side 42. Formarketing purposes it may be preferred to design the package with theexpectation that one of the larger surfaces 54, 55 will face outward(i.e., face the aisle) when the package is on the shelf in a retailstore. This provides for consumer view of one of the larger surfaces,with more surface area available that can be imprinted with commercialartwork, graphics and product information. Thus, the package and stackmay be configured such that the first side 41 of the stack 40 with thefold noses is located at, and forms the shape of, the “bottom” of thepackage as it is shelved, and the sides of the stack with the side edges34, 35 of the diapers will be respective adjacent the larger surfaces54, 55, which will be substantially vertical when the package rests onits “bottom.” The firmer, flatter first side 41 of the stack 40 providesfor a firmer, flatter package “bottom,” that enhances the ability of thepackage to rest stably on the shelf, and be less prone to leaning and/ortipping over. Thus, it may desired to locate the path 60 of perforationsor scoring, defining a serpentine-shaped opening and corresponding flapstructures 66, nearer or on the “bottom” of the package, so as to definethe opening proximate the first side of the stack. Visible verbal andgraphic information on sides 54 and 55 may be arranged so as to appearupright and legible with the package resting with the first side of thestack at the bottom.

This configuration, however, may be counterintuitive to consumers, whomay ordinarily expect to open a package at what they perceive to be its“top.” Accordingly, it may be desired to provide one or more indicia onthe package that visibly, tactilely and/or verbally identify thelocation of the path 60 of perforations or scoring. The one or moreindicia may include, but are not limited to, an imprinted path markingor tracing path 60, of a color that visibly contrasts with surroundingpackage printing; tactilely perceivable indicia; verbal indicia; othergraphic indicia or any combination thereof. In one example, the indiciamay include embossing or other surface texturing of the film, configuredto provide raised, tactilely perceivable features that suggest thepresence of the path 60 of perforations or scoring for opening. In aparticular example, embossing may be configured to suggest one or moreridges following lines or paths proximate and parallel to path 60. Inanother particular example, embossing may be configured to suggest oneor more lines or paths of stitches following paths proximate andparallel to path 60. Additionally, the package may include verbal orgraphic indicia that instruct or encourage the consumer to flip thepackage over, putting the perceived “top” side down and “bottom” sideup, for opening and/or storage. Additionally, or alternatively,commercial artwork, graphics, and verbal information printed onto thefilm of the package may be configured in some examples to have anupright appearance regardless of which surface 50, 51 of the package isdisposed at the top as the package is placed on a horizontal surface. Insome examples, the printed material may be configured to suggest thateither of surfaces 50, 51 can appropriately be deemed the “top” of thepackage.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, particularly for a larger package 49, itmay be desired that the package include a carrying handle 80. In oneexample depicted in FIG. 11, a carrying handle 80 may be formed of anextension of a fin 51 c extending from the package from an end seam 51.The end seam fin 51 c may have a handle cutout 81 made therethrough,providing a carrying handle 80. In another example depicted in FIG. 12,a carrying handle 80 may be formed of a strip of polymer film. In a moreparticular example, the strip may have its long dimension oriented alongthe stack direction SD. The strip may be bonded by any suitablemechanism to portions of the package or package film. Where a handle 80is included, it may be desired that the path 60 of perforations orscoring be located on a package surface other than the surface adjacentthe handle, so that the handle structure does not interfere withcreation of an opening, or interfere with access to the contents. Inother examples, however, it may be desired that path 60 be located onthe surface adjacent the handle (in FIGS. 11 and 12, on surface 51 or50, respectively). In such alternative examples, the handle structure(or a fin in which a handle may be formed) may be deemed useful forretaining greater structural integrity for the areas of the packageadjacent the flap structures.

The following non-limiting examples are contemplated within the scope ofthe description herein:

1. A package formed of flexible polymeric film, containing a stack (40)of folded disposable absorbent articles (10),

the stack (40) having an approximately rectangular cuboid shape andcomprising:

-   -   a plurality of the articles, similarly folded, each of the        plurality of folded articles comprising two opposing faces lying        along approximately parallel planes, and a fold with a fold nose        (30);        -   the plurality of the articles being arranged with one of the            opposing faces of one in contact with one of the opposing            faces of a next adjacent one, and wherein the fold noses of            some or all of the plurality are disposed approximately            along a first side (41) of the cuboid shaped stack (40);        -   a second side (42) opposite to and approximately parallel            with the first side (41); opposing third and fourth sides            (43, 44) that are approximately parallel to each other and            approximately perpendicular to the first and second sides;            and opposing fifth and sixth sides (45, 46) that are            approximately parallel to each other and approximately            perpendicular to the fourth and fifth sides;        -   a stacking direction approximately perpendicular to the            parallel planes and to the fifth and sixth sides; and        -   a stack length (SL) measured from a first outward-facing            side (36) of a first article in the stack to an opposing            second outward-facing side (37) of a last article in the            stack, along the stacking direction;            the flexible polymeric film enclosing and wrapping the stack            and thereby approximately assuming the rectangular cuboid            shape and forming the package, the package thereby having            six outward-facing surfaces comprising:    -   a first package surface (50) having no seam thereacross;    -   a second package surface (51) opposite the first package        surface, the second package surface having a seam (51 b)        extending thereacross;    -   an opposing pair of third and fourth package surfaces (52, 53),        the third and fourth package surfaces each having a seam        extending therealong; and    -   an opposing pair of fifth and sixth package surfaces (54, 55);        the package having:    -   a continuous single path (60) of perforations or scoring in the        film beginning at a first endpoint (64) and ending at a second        endpoint (65), the path defining a serpentine shape having a        first curve (61) that is convex with respect to a reference        point, an inflection point (63), and a second curve (62) that is        concave with respect to the reference point, the serpentine        shape being present substantially entirely on one of the six        outward facing surfaces.        2. The package of example 1 wherein the serpentine shape has a        greatest measurable length (GL) measured along a length        direction and a width (W) measured along a width direction        perpendicular to the length direction, the serpentine shape        having an aspect ratio of greatest measurable length to width at        least 3.5, more preferably at least 5, even more preferably at        least 7, and still more preferably at least 10.        3. The package of either of the preceding examples wherein the        greatest measurable length of the serpentine shape lies along a        direction that is transverse to the stacking direction.        4. The package of either of examples 1 or 2 wherein the greatest        measurable length of the serpentine shape lies along a direction        that is substantially aligned with the stacking direction.        5. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        serpentine shape is defined on one of the six outward facing        surfaces having no seam thereacross.        6. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        serpentine shape is defined on one of the six outward-facing        surfaces adjacent the first side (41) of the stack (40).        7. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        greatest measurable length (GL) of the serpentine shape is from        50 percent to 90 percent of the stack length (SL).        8. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        greatest measurable length of the serpentine shape exists along        a line connecting the first endpoint and the second endpoint.        9. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        serpentine shape has substantial rotational symmetry of order 2,        about the inflection point.        10. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein one or        preferably both of the first and second endpoints comprises a        tear stress dispersing feature.        11. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        continuous single path comprises a path of perforations with a        cut-to-land ratio of at least 0.67:1 and no greater than 3:1.        12. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        continuous single path comprises a path of intermittent laser        scoring.        13. The package of any of examples 1-10 wherein the continuous        single path comprises a continuous path of laser scoring.        14. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        perforations or scoring do not completely penetrate the film.        15. The package of any of the preceding examples wherein the        film is a multilayer film.        16. The package of any of the preceding examples comprising a        carrying handle (80) disposed adjacent one of the first package        surface (50) and the second package surface (51).        17. The package of example 16 wherein the carrying handle (80)        is disposed adjacent the second package surface (51).        18. The package of example 17 comprising an indicium comprising        a verbal or graphically communicated instruction to identify the        continuous single path and/or to flip the package over for        opening.        19. The package of any of examples 16-18 wherein the carrying        handle (80) comprises a strip of polymer film extending along        the stacking direction.        20. The package of any of examples 16-18 having a seam fin (51        c) extending from the second package surface (51), wherein the        carrying handle is formed in the seam fin.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A package formed of flexible polymeric film,containing a stack of folded disposable absorbent articles, the stackhaving an approximately rectangular cuboid shape and comprising: aplurality of the articles, similarly folded, each of the plurality offolded articles comprising two opposing faces lying along approximatelyparallel planes, and a fold with a fold nose; the plurality of thearticles being arranged with one of the opposing faces of one in contactwith one of the opposing faces of a next adjacent one, and wherein thefold noses of some or all of the plurality are disposed approximatelyalong a first side of the cuboid shaped stack; a second side opposite toand approximately parallel with the first side; opposing third andfourth sides that are approximately parallel to each other andapproximately perpendicular to the first and second sides; and opposingfifth and sixth sides that are approximately parallel to each other andapproximately perpendicular to the fourth and fifth sides; a stackingdirection approximately perpendicular to the parallel planes and to thefifth and sixth sides; and a stack length measured from a firstoutward-facing side of a first article in the stack to an opposingsecond outward-facing side of a last article in the stack, along thestacking direction; the flexible polymeric film enclosing and wrappingthe stack and thereby approximately assuming the rectangular cuboidshape and forming the package, the package thereby having sixoutward-facing surfaces comprising: a first package surface having noseam thereacross; a second package surface opposite the first packagesurface, the second package surface having a seam extending thereacross;an opposing pair of third and fourth package surfaces, the third andfourth package surfaces each having a seam extending therealong; and anopposing pair of fifth and sixth package surfaces; the package having: apath of perforations or scoring in the film beginning at a firstendpoint and ending at a second endpoint, the path defining a serpentineshape having a first curve that is convex with respect to a referencepoint, an inflection point, and a second curve that is concave withrespect to the reference point, the serpentine shape being presentsubstantially entirely on one of the six outward facing surfaces, a pairof adjacent flap structures being defined by the path of perforations orscoring comprising a first flap comprising a first terminal end definedby the first curve and a second flap comprising a second terminal enddefined by the second curve, wherein each of the first flap and thesecond flap extend more than 50% of the width of the one of the sixoutward facing surfaces.
 2. The package of claim 1 wherein theserpentine shape has a greatest measurable length measured along alength direction and a width measured along a width directionperpendicular to the length direction, the serpentine shape having anaspect ratio of greatest measurable length to width at least 3.5.
 3. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein the serpentine shape is defined on one of thesix outward facing surfaces having no seam thereacross.
 4. The packageof claim 1 wherein the serpentine shape is defined on one of the sixoutward-facing surfaces adjacent the first side of the stack.
 5. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein the serpentine shape has substantialrotational symmetry of order 2, about the inflection point.
 6. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and secondendpoints comprises a tear stress dispersing feature.
 7. The package ofclaim 1 wherein the path comprises a path of perforations with acut-to-land ratio of at least 0.67:1 and no greater than 3:1.
 8. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein the path comprises a path of intermittentlaser scoring.
 9. The package of claim 1 wherein the path comprises acontinuous path of laser scoring.
 10. The package of claim 1 wherein theperforations or scoring do not completely penetrate the film.
 11. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein the film is a multilayer film.